Starting University

Welcome!

As a student at Murdoch College, you will immediately feel part of a friendly, engaging and culturally rich community.

Read on below to find out more about student life at Murdoch College and what it’s like to live and study in Perth.


Orientation

Orientation allows you to meet students and staff, tour and familiarise yourself with the campus and learn everything you need to know to prepare for study at Murdoch College. Join in fun activities and make friends with students from around the globe before your studies commence.

Orientation will be held for each program on the Friday prior to the program start week. Orientation will start at 8:30am.

Download our Welcome Guide

Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation options open to new students including:

  • Murdoch University Village – conveniently located on campus, these shared apartments are a great place to make friends with fellow students while enjoying recreational facilities including a beach volleyball court, swimming pool, and student lounge.
  • Homestay – immerse yourself in the cultural experience of living with a local family in their home.
  • Independent rental and share house accommodation – for off campus living.

If you are under 18 you need to follow specific requirements about where you can live and who you can live with before you can get a student visa.

Please contact us for more information about accommodation options.


Cost of Living

The day-to-day living costs in Perth for international students are lower than other major cities in Australia (and worldwide), making it an affordable destination and attractive place to live.

Please remember, the prices given on this page are just estimates. Your living costs will depend on various factors including your financial capacity, where you stay, the costs associated with your studies and other lifestyle needs and preferences.

Living Costs

Approximate costs (weekly) Murdoch University Village Homestay (catered) Independent
(1 bedroom tenancy)
Accommodation AU$176-$409 AU$235-$325 AU$250+
Utilities AU$0 (included) AU$0 (included) AU$35-$140
Groceries & supplies AU$80-$120 AU$0 (included) AU$80-$120
Internet/mobile AU$15 (internet included) AU$25-$35 AU$25-$35
Public transport AU$15-$55 AU$15-$55 AU$15-$55
Miscellaneous AU$55 AU$55 AU$55
Average weekly total AU$341-$654 AU$330-$470 AU$460-$655


Facilities and Services

Murdoch University’s Perth campus lies just 15km south of Perth’s CBD – just 20 minutes from Perth station. It covers 227 hectares, making it one of Australia’s largest campuses.

Studying on campus, Murdoch College students have access to the extensive facilities at Murdoch University Perth campus. This includes:

Student Facilities
  • $20m Student Hub for socialising and co-working
  • Over 130 clubs and societies
  • Bush Court outdoor area for socialising
  • Esports Gaming Hub
  • Worship Centre
  • Fitness Centre
  • Student Guild which runs social events
  • Sonder safety apps
  • Library Learning Common
  • 24/7 emergency support
Learning Facilities
  • Chiropractic Clinic
  • Nationally renowned Bayer Pilot Plant for electrical engineering students
  • IT Innovation Hub
  • Sports Science Facility
  • Launchpad innovation hub
  • World-class law moot court
  • Media Arts Centre
  • Murdoch Psychology Clinic
  • Nexus Theatre
  • SimLab for students to improve their teaching techniques
  • Nursing Simulation Suites
  • Fully equipped Veterinary Hospital, Pet Emergency Centre and Equine Centre with equine operating theatre

Studying in Western Australia

As a student studying in Perth, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa and Second Temporary Graduate Visa. The Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) provides recent international graduates with the opportunity to spend time in Australia following their studies, gaining practical work experience to accompany their Australian qualification.

These visas are for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution and maintained residence in Western Australia. In Perth, this visa usually allows you to stay in Australia following your studies for between 4 and 6 years, depending on your qualification.

As the largest state by size in Australia and world-renowned for its natural attractions, one thing’s for sure – you'll never run out of places to explore in Western Australia. With 12,500 kilometres of pristine coastline and vast diverse landscapes, you can swim with friendly wild dolphins at Monkey Mia, trek the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle range, dive at Ningaloo Reef and visit the dynamic modern mining hub of Kalgoorlie.


Life in Perth

A cosmopolitan city with a population of approximately 2 million people, Perth is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world*.

Located on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is a youthful and diverse city with one third of its students from overseas. With 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, more than any other Australian capital city, you’ll enjoy warm summers and short, mild winters.

On average, students in Perth feel safer than other students in Australia**. Perth combines its lively urban charm of bustling shops, restaurants and bars, with spectacular outdoor spaces. These include King's Park and the Botanic Gardens, one of the world's largest inner-city parks, as well as popular beach destinations such as Cottesloe Beach.


Support for International Students

We offer a range of support services to make sure that you’re adjusting well to life in Australia, getting the most out of your learning experience at the College and leave feeling prepared to take the next step at university.

These services include:

  • Student Centre – provides support to all our students, from arrival to graduation. Speak with our team members to learn more about your course, services and facilities around Murdoch, or ask any questions you might have about enrolment or visa requirements.
  • Careers and Employment Centre – receive expert help for your CV, and access work experience placements, interview coaching, career mentoring, and an online job register.
  • Under 18 support – if you’re under the age of 18 Australian law considers you to be a minor and as such Murdoch College takes a special interest in your welfare and development. Additional support and services are provided to everyone under the age of 18. College staff offer continual support and mentorship throughout your studies with regular meetings and supervision to monitor your progress and welfare.
  • Counselling service – free counselling support for students facing life or study challenges.

*Economist Intelligence Unit

**Studyperth.com.au


Health Insurance

It is a condition of your student visa to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance for the entire duration of study in Australia. OSHC covers all public hospitals in Australia.

International students undertaking formal studies in Australia, and their dependents (for example, spouses and children under 18 years old), must obtain OSHC.

It is a condition of your student visa to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of study in Australia unless you are exempt. OSHC helps international students cover medical costs while studying in Australia.

International students undertaking formal studies in Australia, and their dependents (for example, spouses and children under 18 years old), must obtain OSHC unless an exemption applies.

The College’s preferred provider is Allianz Care Australia, which offers you a range of benefits. A quote for a single cover will be included in your offer of admission, and we can arrange OSHC on your behalf if you choose this option.

Or you can arrange your own OSHC; please see below for a list of some other providers:

Allianz Care Australia – Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Allianz Care Australia understand that maintaining your health is an important part of making your stay in Australia as safe and enjoyable as possible.

No health incident is too big or small. It may happen and if it does, Allianz Care Australia step in to support customers in the moments that matter.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance for international students which provides cover for the costs of:

  • Out of hospital medical treatment
  • In hospital medical treatment
  • Prescription medicines
  • Medical devices and human tissue products
  • Emergency ambulance transport^

Supporting you on and off campus

In addition to the government-mandated health cover required for student visa purposes, Allianz Care Australia provide increased access to medical services to support students as they study in Australia.

These services include:

Learn more about Allianz Care Australia OSHC product inclusions here.

^This is a summary of information and benefits. For the full exclusions, limitations, waiting periods, terms and conditions please read the policy document which is available at allianzcare.com.au/en/policy-wording-documents.html.

*Sonder is available to all primary Allianz Care OSHC policyholders. For dual and multi family policies, only one Sonder account can be activated, and this will be assigned to the primary policyholder. Other listed members (spouses or dependent children) on the policy won’t be provided with separate Sonder accounts. Visit sonderau.com/allianzcare for eligibility and T&Cs.